posted on 01 Feb 2024

Can I Sit in the Middle? by Susanne Strasser

There are now so many splendid board books for very young children on the market that a publisher needs to work hard to attract the attention of the adult who will be doing the choosing. I was drawn to the cover of this one with its quiet colour palette showing a pleasing image of a group of friendly animals leaning in to look at a book held by a child. They sit companionably on a blue sofa with a bucket of Popcorn guarded by the Lion – the overall message is that this is such an engaging book that a tasty snack can wait! 

But the harmony shown on the cover is rather deceptive because the simple story begins with just the child sitting on the sofa inviting a Hamster who is stepping into the room to read a book. He enthusiastically squeals for others to join them. The Zebra, Cat and Lion squeeze onto the sofa, but it seems that there are other creatures who need to be there too. The story builds with the Stork joining them, but then Cat needs a cushion (meanwhile keep an eye on the Hamster who is busy guzzling the Popcorn). 

Being able to start reading a story when so many individuals need to be physically comfortable is a familiar dilemma for adults. I liked the cumulative structure of this deceptively simple book with repetitive phrases that will encourage joining in. It is a tried and tested successful technique to keep fidgety children interested in a story and to help build anticipation. Despite the limited space, they are all determined to help one another get into the right position rather than push and shove (not quite so realistic) and even accommodate the Fish in his bowl to be at the centre of the group. 

Perceptive readers will have noticed a pair of large slippers under the sofa and perhaps tried to guess which of the animals will wear them. It seems that they belong to a very large animal who crashes into the room towards the end. He is also keen to join the group for a story as they turn to face him. What could possibly go wrong? Without going into detail about the ensuing chaos, you will be relieved to know that they still manage to find a way to enjoy sharing the book together, 

This Munich based author and illustrator has written many picture books including this latest one in the series about animal friends, which are for the first time available in English.

Available from Gecko Books, you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop- who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have one on their shelves.

Strongly recommended.

 

Karen Argent

February 2024